BC Coroners Service confirms identity of avalanche victim

KELOWNA - The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a man who died in an avalanche in the Purcell Mountains on Feb. 18, 2013.

The man is Gotz-Thilo Ries, aged 34, of Karlsehie, Germany.

Mr. Ries was one of a group of 12 persons on a heli-skiing tour in the Purcell Mountains east of Jumbo Mountain. On their sixth run of the day, a Class 2 avalanche occurred in the area where they were skiing. Mr. Ries was buried by the avalanche.

The mountain guide, who was with the group and other skiers, dug Mr. Ries out as quickly as possible. Mr. Ries was taken by helicopter to hospital in Invermere. However, he could not be revived.

The BC Coroners Service and RCMP continue to investigate this death.

The family of Mr. Ries has been notified of his death. On behalf of the family, the BC Coroners Service asks that the media respect their privacy at this difficult time.